Outer shells & inner cables

In this category you'll find outer shells, inner cables and Bowden cable sets for bicycles – from classic shift cables to brake cables and high-quality coated cable sets for mountain bikes, road bikes, trekking and city bikes. Brands such as Shimano, SRAM, Jagwire and Campagnolo offer a wide selection of spare parts for the maintenance and repair of bicycle shifting systems and brakes – for hobby mechanics, frequent riders and workshops in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, with fast delivery directly to your home.

Buy outer shells and inner cables online – for shifting and braking

Whether you're looking for a shift cable for your road bike, a brake cable for your city bike or a complete Bowden cable set for your own workshop: The range covers standard cables, stainless steel cables, PTFE-coated inner cables as well as matching outer housings in various diameters and designs. This way, as a cyclist, hobby mechanic or professional mechanic, you can quickly find the right components for precise shifting and braking performance – conveniently online with delivery throughout Switzerland.

Shift cables, brake cables and Bowden cable sets in detail

Shifting systems require thinner inner cables with specific head fittings, while brake cables have a larger diameter and more robust end fittings. The outer housings also differ significantly: Shift outer housings have longitudinal steel wire reinforcement for precise and direct shifting, while brake outer housings use spiral reinforcement for maximum compression resistance during braking. Coated inner cables with PTFE reduce friction and provide noticeably smoother operation as well as longer maintenance intervals.

Changing, servicing and maintaining Bowden cables

Regular replacement of outer housings and inner cables is essential for reliable shifting and braking function. Worn or corroded cables lead to stiff operation, inaccurate shifting and can compromise safety on the road. With high-quality spare parts, the right tools such as a cable cutter set and proper installation techniques, the replacement can be carried out reliably and cleanly even by hobby mechanics.

Top brands

Shimano SRAM Jagwire Campagnolo Alligator Clarks BBB Cycling Elvedes

Brands compared

Brand	Known for	Ideal for	Price segment
Shimano	High-quality shift and brake cables	Road bike, MTB, trekking	Mid-range – Premium
SRAM	Performance shift cables	MTB, gravel, road bike	Mid-range – Premium
Jagwire	Premium Bowden cables and sets	Performance-oriented riders	Mid-range – Premium
Campagnolo	Italian road bike components	Road bike enthusiasts	Premium
Alligator	Coated inner cables	MTB, all-round	Entry-level – Mid-range
Clarks	Brake and shift cable sets	Workshops, hobby	Entry-level – Mid-range
BBB Cycling	Practical spare parts and cable sets	Hobby, everyday	Entry-level – Mid-range
Elvedes	High-quality Bowden cables and housings	Professional workshops, frequent riders	Mid-range

Who is this category suitable for?

This category is ideal for cyclists, hobby mechanics and professional workshops in Switzerland looking for outer housings, inner cables or complete Bowden cable sets for their bicycles. Whether you're preparing your road bike for the next season, servicing your mountain bike after a hard trail ride or getting your city bike fit for everyday use – you'll find the right components here. Frequent riders who value precise shifting and braking performance at all times are also in exactly the right place in this category.

Quality, materials and workmanship

When buying outer housings and inner cables, it's worth paying attention to high-quality materials such as stainless steel for inner cables and durable plastic coatings for outer housings. PTFE-coated cables offer less friction and a longer service life. Corrosion-resistant materials are particularly important if the bike is regularly ridden in wet conditions or in winter with road salt on Swiss roads. Brand products from renowned manufacturers guarantee tested quality and precise compatibility with common shifting and brake groups.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between shift cables and brake cables?▾

Shift cables have a smaller diameter and specific head fittings for the respective shifting group, while brake cables are thicker and have different end fittings. The outer housings also differ: Shift outer housings have longitudinal wire reinforcement for precise shifting, while brake outer housings have spiral reinforcement for high compression resistance during braking.

Which outer housing do I need for my road bike?▾

Road bikes require specific shift outer housings with an outer diameter of 4 mm and brake outer housings with 5 mm. High-quality brands such as Shimano, Jagwire and Campagnolo offer optimised housings with low compression for exact shifting and maximum braking performance.

How do I know when inner cables need to be replaced?▾

Typical signs include stiff shifting, delayed return of the shift lever, frayed wire ends, rust or corrosion on the cable as well as visible kinks in the inner cable. Even if the gears no longer work smoothly despite correct adjustment, replacing the inner cables is advisable.

What are the benefits of PTFE-coated inner cables?▾

PTFE-coated inner cables significantly reduce friction between the inner cable and outer housing. This ensures smoother shifting, more precise brake modulation and extends maintenance intervals. Coated cables offer noticeable advantages, especially for sporty riding and long tours.

How do I replace a shift cable myself?▾

To replace a shift cable, loosen the clamp bolt on the derailleur, pull the old cable out of the outer housing, thread the new inner cable in and secure it with the specified clamping force. It is important to check the outer housings for correct length and not to forget the end caps. With suitable tools and a cable cutter set, the replacement can be done cleanly and reliably.

Which brands are compatible with Shimano shifting systems?▾

Shimano inner cables and outer housings are optimally matched to Shimano shifting groups. Alternatively, Jagwire cable sets and Elvedes cables also work very well. SRAM cables are optimised for SRAM shifting systems, but can in many cases also be combined with Shimano components.

Can I use brake outer housings for the shifting system too?▾

No, this is not recommended. Brake outer housings have spiral steel wire reinforcement that compresses easily under pressure – this leads to inaccurate shifting. Shift outer housings are longitudinally reinforced and nearly incompressible, which is essential for precise shifting.

How often should outer housings and inner cables be replaced?▾

Replacement intervals depend on riding performance, weather conditions and maintenance. As a rule of thumb: With regular use, every one to two years or when shifting precision decreases. After riding in rain, snow and road salt, more frequent inspection and early replacement are recommended to avoid corrosion and loss of function.